Monday, December 29, 2014

Good Enough...Sucks

There is an odd reality to leadership. We talk about being world-class and using best practices and benchmarks to build our organizations to a level that should differentiate us from our competition.

Over time, the bureaucratic hassles and endless transactional work seems to creep into our worlds like an insidious disease. As we grow more comfortable in our roles, understand the cultures of our organizations, and appreciate how challenging the world can be, something happens.

Being good enough "suddenly" is acceptable.

Good Is Not GreatI was speaking with a colleague recently who was questioning whether or not the constant frustrations of pushing toward greatness was worth it.

The real question was whether or not accepting good is okay sometimes, even when doing so gives you that nasty feeling in the pit of your stomach.

The answer? Hell, no!

Consider this scenario...three of your team members are having coffee and are discussing you. They talk about your style, your vision for leading the group forward, and your overall effectiveness.

The consensus...you're good enough.

How does that feel?

Let me say it...good enough sucks.

Only One OptionSo here's the catch...it is impossible to be great all the time. It's also impossible to be great most of the time."Being great" is not what I'm talking about. Striving to be great is what matters most. When your leaders, your peers, and your team members see your unwavering commitment to greatness they will follow your lead.

It will happen by default. They will not want to be left behind, they won't want to look bad, and they most certainly will not want to disappoint you when they see the amount of energy you are putting out to try and achieve an unattainable goal.

Let me say it...that type of leadership does not suck at all. In fact, it's the only kind that matters.

How About YouWhen was the last time you used the phrase "good enough?" Please do me a favor...stop saying that.

Wow, short and to the point and just what I needed to read. Your second paragraph said it all for me. I have been in a funk and couldn't quite get my mind around why (bureaucratic hassles and endless transactional work).